8 Ways to Prolong the Life of Your Hearing Aid Batteries

Increasing the lifespan of your hearing aid batteries can save you both time and money. If you can attain a few additional days out of each battery, that’s a decent amount saved over the course of a year.

Luckily, there are actually several things you can do to maximize your hearing aid battery life. If you can convert these eight tips into habits, you should observe a difference right away.

Here are eight ways to optimize the life of your hearing aid batteries.

1. Purchase new hearing aid batteries

Hearing aid batteries unopened in the packaging can last for many years. Unfortunately, just like all batteries, power is reduced as each year passes by, so it’s always better to purchase the newer package.

2. Don’t remove the tab until you’re ready to use them

Hearing aids take a specialized kind of battery called a zinc-air battery. Each one has a plastic tab covering small holes on the top of the battery. Right after the tab is removed, air enters the holes and stimulates the zinc.

The moment this occurs, the battery is live and the power will start draining (reapplying the tab has no effect). That’s why you should remove the tab only if you plan on using the battery immediately.

3. Utilize the five-minute rule

Immediately after removing the tab, don’t place the battery into the hearing aid right away. Rather, wait around 5-7 minutes. This will enable the air to fully activate the battery, expanding its life by as long as three days.

4. Store at room temperature

You might have heard that you can prolong the life of your batteries by keeping them in your refrigerator. The cold temperature reduces the release of power, or so the reasoning goes.

The problem is that the opposite occurs. Zinc-air batteries and moisture do not mix, and the condensation that occurs from the refrigerator causes corrosion and an elevated risk of premature failure.

5. Leave the hearing aid battery door open when not being used

When you’re not using your hearing aid, turn it off and open the battery door. This minimizes drain and blocks corrosion. But remember, don’t store your hearing aids in the bathroom; temperature changes and dampness are harmful to the batteries. Your bedroom side-table is probably the safest place.

6. Purchase a hearing aid dehumidifier

With a hearing aid dehumidifier, you won’t have to worry about where to keep your hearing aids. At night, put your hearing aids in the dehumidifier to eliminate moisture and to provide a safe place for storage.

7. Take out the batteries if you won’t be using your hearing aids for prolonged periods

If you don’t plan on using your hearing aids for a while, taking out the batteries entirely will help protect against corrosion from trapped moisture within the hearing aid.

8. Clean your hands before changing the batteries

You should always keep in mind that dirt, grime, and moisture are harmful for both the hearing aid batteries and the hearing aids themselves. That’s why it’s important to wash your hands before changing the batteries.